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How To: Shave your fenders
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Posted by: BlasterEaten250

Many people are asking how to cut fenders. My brother did his and it looks very good and professional. I will go through the steps on how to do it.

1. Make sure your quad is clean. A pressure nozzle or power washer works good. Spray it down, and get all the big chunks of mud off. Next, spray simple green everywhere on the quad. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then spray the whole quad again with the power washer. Dry everything off with rags thouroghly. Spray armoral plastic shiner and finisher on the plastics. Then wipe down good with dry rags.

It should look like this when it is finished...(clean)

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

Next, after it is clean, take a highlighter and make lines on your plastics to get a general idea of where you want to make your cuts. Put electrical tape on the lines. Check that both sides are even and line up. Make sure you are happy with the design before you cut (cant go back after you cut) After you put the electrical tape on you are ready for the next step.

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

Rough sketch of popular choice, but remember it is up to you.

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

Now, a good, clean way to cut the plastics is a saber saw (jig saw) The best way to cut the plastics is while they are still on the machine. Cut up against the line of the electrical tape. You can fine tune later, but just get the main part of the plastics off for now. Just dont make it to sloppy.

After you have got the main bulk off. Look at the plastics from up above. You want the lines to have a nice clean look to them and not all wavy. Try to smooth out any noticable waves with the saw. Repeat on the other side.

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

After you have everything fine tuned, take some course sand paper and sand the edges. This gets all the rough shavings off. Then do the same with fines sand paper, untill the sides are smooth. You might see some white on the parts you sanded. That leads to the next step.

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

Now, take a lighter, and light the part were you have cut. This takes out all the white, unfinished look of were you have cut. It makes it have a factory finished appearence.

This is what it should look like in the end.

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

Cutting your fenders helps you control your atv in the air, as well as makes it look good. Be warned though, they can make you get muddy easier.

Things you will need:
1. Cleaning materials to wash your atv.
2. Highlighter
3. Electrical tape
4. Jigsaw
5. Sand paper (rough grit, and fine grit)
6. Lighter.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

You can also shave your rear fenders. It makes it even more controlable in the air, as well as makes it look better. Here is a picture of shaved rear fenders. (this is thebigsd's 400ex)

Posted by: zeppelin

quote:
Originally posted by BlasterEaten250
You can also shave your rear fenders. It makes it even more controlable in the air, as well as makes it look better. Here is a picture of shaved rear fenders. (this is thebigsd's 400ex)

It is usualy done for hybrids so that the kickstart will clear the plastics

Posted by: atvracer9m

cutting the rear does not effect anything in the air and the cutting of the front is also a myth.. but it does make it look better

Posted by: my400exrules

anyone else have some pics of cut 400ex plastic

Posted by: BlasterEaten250

...

Posted by: gmeece07

I don't really see that you have any more control with cut fenders but you can definately see where the tires are going and what they are hitting better. That's a huge plus in rough and rocky conditions.

Posted by: #8red

I ussed an old thick "survival" type knife and heated it up w/ a torch and used it to cut the lines nice & smooth - then a little sandpaper & LIGHTLY torched the edges - NICE

Posted by: insaneracin2003

quote:
Originally posted by my400exrules
anyone else have some pics of cut 400ex plastic

here ya go

Posted by: 400exmatt

Insanes looks the best

Posted by: wakerider113

heres mine

Posted by: insaneracin2003

quote:
Originally posted by wakerider113
heres mine

wakerider113,those look awsome!!!

Posted by: wakerider113

thanks dude... what i did was first draw them out with pencil to see about where i wanted them... then i measured from the outside , making them both even... i then taped off the line and used a jig saw and afterwards went over the edges with some sandpaper....my only complaint is when going trough puddles... u get a little more water on u.... its worth it though

Posted by: JW450R1

DOES ANY ONE HAVE PICS OF A 450R FRONT SHAVED.I'M DEBAITING ON SHAVING

Posted by: my250ex

wake rider can you get some more pics like from the front and from above? i want to cut mine like yours they look awesome

Posted by: wakerider113

thanks... heres one

Posted by: wakerider113

another

Posted by: wakerider113

its a little shiny cuz the plastics were soaking in some spray...with the old bumper

Posted by: wakerider113

wow... i just realized in that last pic the sides look way uneven but its cuz of the angle...

Posted by: hks308

why, why would you want to cut your plastics?

Posted by: wakerider113

uhhhh... have u seen the stock plastics....im not gunna lie... there pretty gay... they are way too bubbley... that was my only complaint with the 400 beside the axle bearing.

Posted by: 02440exkid

wuts rong with the axle bearing?

Posted by: wakerider113

honda just used a cheap bearing with an even cheaper dust seal and when the bearings dry up and rusts they shatter and it tears up the whole inside of the bearing carrier. it happened to me and a bunch of others on here.

Posted by: Rogan91

quote:
Originally posted by insaneracin2003
here ya go

how much did the a-arms and suspenion coast???

Posted by: Rogan91

here mine cut

Posted by: insaneracin2003

these are my new plastics,i dont know if i am cutting these are not.

Posted by: Rogan91

quote:
Originally posted by insaneracin2003
these are my new plastics,i dont know if i am cutting these are not.

i've seen this bike befor I LOVE IT i prolly wouldnt cut after market plastics if i was u, what kind of air scoops are thos, they look awsome. kick @$$ bike

Posted by: Kansas400ex

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/ks_400exrider/HPIM1126.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/ks_400exrider/HPIM1127.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/ks_400exrider/HPIM1131.jpg

Posted by: 5star

quote:
Originally posted by BlasterEaten250
You can also shave your rear fenders. It makes it even more controlable in the air, as well as makes it look better. Here is a picture of shaved rear fenders. (this is thebigsd's 400ex)

rear shaved

Posted by: bmxatv

Has anyone ever used a dremel tool? I imagine you can make some nice clean lines with a dremel.

Posted by: EX_stunter

I have a dremell tool, I might shave the fronts off my 250ex. It would prob work!

Posted by: ducman998r

I did mine with a jigsaw.. not too bad I guess

Posted by: bah1491

Heres Mine....

Posted by: bah1491

Oh yeah...i used a cut-off wheel on the grinder, did a great job, 180grit sand paper, and a heat gun....

Posted by: thez400dude

does anyone have pics of z400's w/ cut fenders

Posted by: GearHeadz400ex

Does anybody happen to have a picture of shaved front fenders on the newer body style (05+)

Posted by: Rusty91o

Shaving your fenders does give you more control in the air. It gives you more control on the ground at high speeds as well. Not only is it alittle less weight, but the biggest thing is, less wind resistance. Making your quad faster. If you don't think so, take off your front fenders and take your quad for a rip. You'll feel the difference right away.

Posted by: Dhumpalo

Better pics of cut rear. Cant cut cleaner than using a razer

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler227.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler225.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler223.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/getdrunk1990/4wheeler228-1.jpg

Posted by: MelhiserRacing5

new here just joined today this is a cool topic and does anyone have pics of a 300ex with shaved fenders

Posted by: CDCHONDAS

I use a dremel with a bit that looks like a drill bit but its not, forget what its called, then i level it up with a d/a sander, i do them all like that

Posted by: yfz450rida

This is a pic of my 05 YFZ450 Practice Bike i used a jig saw and then used an orbit sander to round the edges and the rear are shaved to and i dont think that they really help with jumping it more of a visual thing and alot of it has to do with seeing whats going on around you when your jumping and corning , it helps with picking lines and spoting your landing.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/yfz450.jpg

Posted by: mojo123

what i did to cut my fenders was to take a jig saw and cut what u wanna just then take a lighter and lights the eges to make it smooth

Posted by: 400exrider99

i cut mine today (01-10-07) i used a roto-zip spiral saw. it did a nice job execpt it would jump alittle bit.

Posted by: BOOSTED2V

quote:
Originally posted by 400exrider99
i cut mine today (01-10-07) i used a roto-zip spiral saw. it did a nice job execpt it would jump alittle bit.

I used a dremel last night... Mine are a little different but I wanted to be original...

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f193/BOOSTED2V/My400ex.jpg

Posted by: quadking224

nice bike yfz450rida....likin the plastics...yea same with my buddy he did that to his 05 450r and it looks good..yery impressed with overall visiblilty under me while ridin it

Posted by: ida400ex

does anyone have pics of a 05 or newer 400ex. the reverse knob is a pain for this.

Posted by: steve wall

did these w/ a dremel

Posted by: steve wall

by tha way it's for sale boys. $3,500

Posted by: yfz450rida

well today is the day i am cutting up my 07 fenders to look good for our trip to the sand dunes in Oklahoma in march. So i will post them when i get done.

Posted by: ShiftFMX

Heres Mine, I did it the day I got my r.

I used a Sawzall, fine sandpaper and a blow torch

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/ShiftFMX/DSC01854.jpg

Posted by: fasterz69

quote:
Originally posted by thez400dude
does anyone have pics of z400's w/ cut fenders

heres mine i will try to get a closer pic

Posted by: fasterz69

here is a better pic

Posted by: ATV_RaZr

This is my from Portugal:

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3537/variasmoto083xa0.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2026/variasmoto005mx5.jpg

Posted by: yfz450rida

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0797.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0796.jpg
Finally done with the plastics, this is my quad i am racing for 07 i still have to put all my numbers on its not even done yet and the season is starting soon. got the dunies on for this weekend going to oklahoma dunes!

Posted by: djguestone

Pretty good write up.. Let me add from my experience..

*Apply the masking tape & draw the lines on the tape.
*Cut the lines you like.
*I used a sharp utility knife.
*Let plastic sit out in the sun to soften it.
*Sliced like butter & I was done.

I like the fact that I can see where my wheels are turning. I can avoid rocks & ruts a whole lot better. This helps alot when climbing some steep hills.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/DjGuestOne/Texas%20Cyn/TexasCyn004.jpg

Posted by: m.h.s.c.#527

quote:
Originally posted by yfz450rida
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0797.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o251/yfz450rida/DSCF0796.jpg
Finally done with the plastics, this is my quad i am racing for 07 i still have to put all my numbers on its not even done yet and the season is starting soon. got the dunies on for this weekend going to oklahoma dunes!

i like them it looks like wings i also think the sand tired is the snow is cool

Posted by: yfz450rida

thanks i figured i would try something new this year. My last race quad i shaved the whole thing( the pic is a few pages back white yfz #77) but some races a got muddy, so this year i tried this style. I figure they fenders will help with roost and mud and i can still see whats going on at ground level. i was going to go with a kori ellis cut but you see alot of yfz like that and my buddies got his done like that so i had to be different!

Posted by: bradex

my fenders a shaved pretty well rite off it dosent look to bad but i didnt cut them thts the ****ty thing about used bikes lol but if it was up to me mine wud be shaved exacly lke the other ones are ill post a pic later of mine

Posted by: wrobben

quote:
Originally posted by m.h.s.c.#527
i like them it looks like wings i also think the sand tired is the snow is cool

ill 2nd that it looks sweet, and yes the sand tires are awsome in the snow, i used mine this year, helps u move a little faster in the snow.

Posted by: GearHeadz400ex

quote:
Originally posted by ida400ex
does anyone have pics of a 05 or newer 400ex. the reverse knob is a pain for this.

yeah i wanna see the same thing, plus how the newer ones look with the shaved fenders!

Posted by: 2old2race

quote:
Originally posted by hks308
why, why would you want to cut your plastics?

Same thing I was thinking.

I love the easier to handle in the air excuse though.

It's all just for appearance if you ask me.

Posted by: Nates400ex

I have been told the loose feeling I have at WFO is caused by the wind sail design of the front fenders. I am cutting mine soon!!! At WFO I can feel the front end moving around like it is hydro-planing.

Posted by: culichi

http://www.yoshimura-rd.com/ltr450_chassis_faq.asp you just click in there and its a sketch for the ltr and use a jigsaw

Posted by: culichi

and the result its this

Posted by: mat1977

quote:
Originally posted by GearHeadz400ex
yeah i wanna see the same thing, plus how the newer ones look with the shaved fenders!

here ya go.

Posted by: skragg

wakerider113 that is sick dude those pics hav totally convinved me to shave my fenders man sick quad by the way dude

Posted by: ida400ex

here is my LTR. it was easyer than i thought it would be. i just decided it was now or never. i used electric tape for the lines and a sharp utility knife. cut clean and easy.

Posted by: dirtybird

worked out great

Posted by: X400EX

Here's mine :

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/TRX350/5.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/TRX350/3.jpg

Posted by: gf319804

Anyone try shaving their LTZ400 fenders to look more like the LTR450's? I'm thinking about doing this, but haven't found any pics of this, and would kind of like to see one before I try it. Thanks

Posted by: dirtybird

word

Posted by: Quadkid440

quote:
Originally posted by ducman998r
I did mine with a jigsaw.. not too bad I guess

I just joined a couple days ago and was curious as to what was in this particualar thread, and i found this, this quad is freekin sa-weet, im getting an 02 400EX Saturday and it too is yellow, maybe with a little luck i kan make it as kool as this

Posted by: Splitpin

has anyone re-shaped there back fender on a 400ex
i'm not talking about behind you legs but right at the back

sick of the stright lines

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/back.jpg

Posted by: RickC

You can buy fenders precut from Maier.

www.maier-mfg.com

Posted by: Ikilla2

I got so many sets of rear plastics knocking about, I thought I'd give it a go.

It actually looks pretty good but not so good for MX.

Its got Maier plastics on now though.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/restinbeat/QUADZ/DSC01032.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/restinbeat/QUADZ/DSC01044.jpg

Posted by: mxcowboy

did this to a friends warrior used to be able to pull up to a wheelie in fith be cause of the the wind now cant and goes 2mph faster b/c there is no wind resistence
great info thanks for this post

Posted by: MTDman11

i have a dremel tool. when ever i have used it for cutting plastic things it seems to melt burn them cause it has 2 high of rpms

Posted by: Clay200X

why would you that??? oK if you wanna be covered in mudd dust ect... or giting hit by rocks when on gravel

You see on 3 wheelers you know where your front tires are and should your back

P.S. I'ma 3 wheeler nut

Posted by: rideracelivemx7

just did mine today =]

Posted by: skinful

quote:
Originally posted by gmeece07
I don't really see that you have any more control with cut fenders but you can definately see where the tires are going and what they are hitting better. That's a huge plus in rough and rocky conditions.

ya kinda answered your own question there...the more you see the more you control

Posted by: BossHogg420

the cut fenders look good. but how exactly do yall keep rocks and **** hitting you when ur haulin through the woods. It seems to me cut fenders is a good way to get cracked by a rock or somethin out on the trail. has this happened to anyone out there especially the xc racers?

Posted by: quadracer99

here is my old 440ex.

Posted by: quadracer99

2

Posted by: quadracer99

a poor pic from the rear

Posted by: quadracer99

and here is a pic of my first try at cutting plastics (which was like 6 years ago on an '01 blaster)

Posted by: Splitpin

i used a small angle grinder with a metal cutting disk, took the plastics off and cut on the "fold" lines on the under side of the plastic. no need to heat up the ends only a light sand to take off the rough ends

Posted by: Splitpin

.

Posted by: raptorrider642

i have a 06 raptor 350 and was thinking of shaving my fenders any pic or feed for me.

Posted by: RATPACK Z400

I use to put sticks from ground up to rear fenders to make them stick up higher, looks awesome !every time I put quad away put stick under and after awhile fender stay up .

Posted by: PrivettKFX400

I just used a little hand grinder that you hook up to a compresser it made me feel like a redneck cause everybody else used a saw but it was a really east quick way and after sanding them they looked awesome!!!

Posted by: timmersam

I have done 4 sets of fenders, using an electric grinder then sanding every time and it looks great everytime.

Sam

Posted by: hurley#4

timmersam

i love ur quad... nice job

Posted by: v0lcom13sn0w

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/m3snwbrd13/4hundo.jpg i did this the weekend after i bought it... i used a sharpie electrical tape and a jigsaw then some really fine sandpaper. just be sure not to hit the fender support bracket with the saw.

Posted by: 08ex4

this might sound stupid but why does everyone want to cut off their fenders, personally i think it looks dumb as **** and you get covered with whatever your riding in(mud, snow, pig ****. etc)

Posted by: hurley#4

who would ride through pig ****?????

quote:
Originally posted by 08ex4
this might sound stupid but why does everyone want to cut off their fenders, personally i think it looks dumb as **** and you get covered with whatever your riding in(mud, snow, pig ****. etc)

Posted by: timmersam

Have you ever tried riding a quad with +3 suspension? Full fenders or not your getting **** in your face. I disagree, I think cut fenders look far better in most cases, especially 250r's but to each his own.

Sam

Posted by: riles88g

quote:
Originally posted by JW450R1
DOES ANY ONE HAVE PICS OF A 450R FRONT SHAVED.I'M DEBAITING ON SHAVING

you have a 450, why dont you just take them off?

Posted by: BEAVER.989

Here's mine. I did them this morning with a utility knife. Sorry for the cell phone pics. It's all I had time for...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders2.jpg

Posted by: BEAVER.989

Here's one from the cokpit, as well. I haven't found any on here from this point of view(and I was looking), so I thought it might be useful...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders3.jpg

Posted by: BEAVER.989

And one more, just because...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh50/BEAVER-989/cutfenders4.jpg

Posted by: quadboy-55

quote:
Originally posted by EX_stunter
I have a dremell tool, I might shave the fronts off my 250ex. It would prob work!

i dremel'd all of my 450's and my friends used a dremel too.

heres my YFZ 450

Posted by: hob42

Decided to shave the fenders on my ratted 87 250x. Used some decent tin snips and it turned out pretty well. If you don't have anything else its a cheap option, although it may add a little bit of sanding. Let me know if anyone tries it and how it turned out.